Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-02-09
Bulletin Contents
Sunday February 9, 2025 - Publican and the Pharisee
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Parish Calendar
Online Donations

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Holy Cross Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 724-346-9937
  • Street Address:

  • 950 Maple Dr

  • Hermitage, PA 16148-2333

Contact Information

The Most Rev. NATHANIEL
Archbishop


Right. Rev. ANDREI
Vicar Bishop


Rev. Father Spyridon Ickes
Parish Priest

[email protected] | 216-372-6217

Services Schedule

Wednesdays: Daily Vespers 6 pm; Bible Study after

Saturdays: Great Vespers 6 pm; Confessions heard after

Sundays: Matins 9 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am

 

Past Bulletins


Sunday February 9, 2025 - Publican and the Pharisee

     

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Eighth Tone

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Presentation in the First Tone

Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Presentation in the First Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Eleventh Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from John 21:14-25

    At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

    Epistle Reading

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
    The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15

    TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

    Gospel Reading

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
    The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

    The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    If there is a moral quality almost completely disregarded and even denied today, it is indeed humility. The culture in which we live constantly instills in us the sense of pride, of self-glorification, and of self-righteousness ... Even our churches - are they not imbued with that same spirit of the Pharisee? Do we not want our every contribution, every 'good deed,' all the we do 'for the Church' to be acknowledged, praised, publicized? ... How does one become humble? The answer, for a Christian, is simple: by contemplating Christ..."
    Fr. Alexander Schmemann
    Great Lent, pp. 19-20., 20th Century

    It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.
    St. John Chrysostom
    AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

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    Saints and Feasts

    February 09

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

    The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

    Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

    All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

    February 09

    Leavetaking of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

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    Announcements

    ROEA Clergy Retreat

    This upcoming week of February 10th through the 14th, Father will be away for the annual clergy retreat in Arizona. Though the parish office will be closed, please contact Father for any emergencies that may come up during this time. We will have a normal schedule of Divine Services this week, only missing daily vespers on Wednesday. 


    Saint Emmelia Women’s Group

    We are happy to announce a successful start to the Saint Emmelia Women's Group. Many of the women of our parish joined in fellowship and prayer last Tuesday and we pray for many more Tuesdays after this. 

    The new ministry for all the women of our community. This ministry provides a time and place for the fostering of relationships of women with each other and ultimately with Christ to our God. Saint Emmelia will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the home of Fr. Spyridon and Psa. Sarah. 

    Why Saint Emmelia? Saint Emmelia is known as "the mother of the saints". Saint Emmelia raised five children recognized today by the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints! Mothers, God Mothers, and all Christians can learn from the Godly example Christ has given us in this His Saint. Saint Emmelia, pray to God for us!

    Due to the ROEA Clergy Retreat, there will not be Saint Emmelia on February 11th. We will continue with Saint Emmelia on February 25th at 7pm in the home of Fr. Spyridon and Psa. Sarah. 


    House Blessings

    Instead of a signup sheet for house blessings this year, Father will contact everyone individually to set up a time for the house blessings. By setting up individual appointments, we hope to be able to accommodate everyone in the parish better. 

    Please note that due to illness that has affected the Ickes family and many parishioners, the house blessings are moving slower than anticipated. If you have not yet heard from Father, you will in the coming weeks. 


    Parish Growth!

    By the grace of God, we continue to see our parish grow! Next week, we will have the second baptism this month in our parish. Our parish has four catechumens right now and will soon be blessed to witness more baptisms! Continue to pray with us for the catechumens that the Lord our God will teach them the Word of His truth and unite them to His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. 

    We look forward to, God willing, many more baptisms and chrismations in the future. 


    Bible Study

    Every Wednesday, our parish has Bible study! We meet at 6 pm in the church for daily vespers, and then start our bible study right after. Please come, and bring your friends! We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark.

    No Bible Study on February 12th.


    Help Support our Liturgical Worship

    By the Grace of God, our parish continues to grow, and we continue to be able to come and experience Christ through the liturgical services and the sacraments. Our parish is in need of support in purchasing items that we use in worship. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate donations to cover the cost of certain items:

    Adult Baptismal Gown: $72

    Chrismation Brush: $25

    Wine: $165 a case

    Incense: $55 in bulk

    Altar Server Robes: $105 (3 more needed)

    Altar Covers: Price to be determined. We could use red and blue (speak with Fr. Spyridon)

    If you are interested in providing the funds to cover these items, please leave a memo with your donation stating what item you would like to donate. Thank you!


    Prayer List

    Please keep the following in your prayers:

    Living:

    • Mary Ann 
    • Helen
    • Emil

    Departed: 


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    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      February 9 to February 23, 2025

      Sunday, February 9

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      Monday, February 10

      ROEA Clergy Retreat - Fr Spiro Out

      Saturday, February 15

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, February 16

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      Wednesday, February 19

      6:00PM Bible Study

      Saturday, February 22

      Saturday of the Souls

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      1:00PM Wedding of Kevin & Marianthy

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, February 23

      🍗 Meat Fare Sunday

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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    Online Donations

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